Emma McKeon’s name isn’t just written into Australian sporting history.
It also takes pride of place on the new promenade at North Wollongong Beach.
Emma was in her hometown to reveal the plaque on 30 August which has been placed in front of North Wollongong Surf Club along the promenade which was completed just prior to last Christmas.
The decision to name the promenade after Emma, who holds more gold medals than any Australian athlete and is currently Young Australian of the Year, came from the local community after her success at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
“Few of us will forget the excitement and joy that Emma’s racing brought us during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
“Unlike the recent Paris Games, these races were on at a little more family-friendly time so local youngsters were able to get behind their homegrown heroes as the races unfolded. The event was also on at a time when we were experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and things felt really off-kilter and uncertain.
“Watching Emma race, and then her extraordinary humbleness at her success, inspired everyone and saw the community call for Council to do something to recognise her accomplishments.
“When we were first talking about this, the promenade was planned for construction. Now, Stage One has been completed and Emma has gone on to even greater things at the Paris Games. This is perfect timing to celebrate Emma’s outstanding career.”
Council sought community input for suggestions of how we might recognise Emma’s achievements at the Olympics in 2021. There were two rounds of community consultation with – the first asking for suggestions, and the second round asking for feedback on the options of naming North Beach Promenade and Terraces, or the Cliff Road viewing platform overlooking the harbour and Continental Pools after her.
They also consulted with Emma and her family, talking through the diverse suggestions and seeking their guidance on their preferences throughout the decision-making process.
“It was really important we acknowledge Emma and her phenomenal sporting feats in a way that responded to our community, but also in a way that she was comfortable with,” Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.
“What was really clear to us was that North Wollongong Beach was a special location for Emma, and naming this new promenade after her was a respectful and considered way to thank her for inspiring all of us to always strive to do our best.”
The sand-coloured steps of the North Wollongong seawall opened just before Christmas last year. The steps were designed to improve accessibility to the popular beach and to protect the North Wollongong Surf Club building and foreshore area from storm events and coastal wave damage.
The Stage One seawall works were supported by technical and financial assistance from the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Management Program.
In July Council started preliminary work on Stage Two of the North Beach seawall, which is planned for construction after the peak summer season of early 2026.
Among those gathered there to celebrate the occasion were her family, who had supported her every step of the way.
Emma said that Wollongong held a special place in her heart, and she was very grateful to the ongoing and passionate support she received from her hometown.
“I feel so very lucky to have grown up in Wollongong and been part of a community that is so supportive,” she said.
“It seems quite surreal to think that this beautiful promenade will carry my name and I just hope that it inspires others to follow their dreams. If I think back to that little girl who used to come to this beach with my family as a kid, she never would have dreamt of this happening.
“Thank you to all those who have supported me over the years – there is something really special about knowing your hometown has your back.”
